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Well-seeded management, cultivation of age-appropriate seedlings
Editor's note: Solanaceous vegetables are typically planted shortly after sowing. The main goal of seedling cultivation is to produce seedlings of the appropriate age at the right time, ensuring that once transplanted, they grow well and yield high-quality harvests. Experience has shown that age-appropriate seedlings outperform leggy or over-aged ones in terms of early maturity and productivity. As temperatures drop, vegetable seedlings struggle to develop properly without optimal environmental conditions such as temperature and light. This is especially true for eggplants, which undergo flower bud differentiation during the seedling stage. For example, when tomatoes begin flower bud formation at the 3-leaf stage, improper conditions can lead to poor development, directly affecting fruit quantity and quality. Therefore, careful management is essential to raise healthy seedlings. In this issue, Zhang Haiying from the Agricultural Technology Station in Lizhuang Township, Fengqiu County, provides detailed guidance to farmers on cultivating tomato and eggplant seedlings.
Tomato Seedling Cultivation
Tomato seedlings grow quickly, so it’s crucial to create the right environmental conditions during the seedling stage to ensure balanced growth of roots, stems, leaves, and proper flower bud formation. Ideal tomato seedlings should have thick stems, short internodes, large and thick leaves, dark green color, well-developed roots, numerous lateral roots, and early bud emergence. To achieve this, the following steps must be carefully followed:
First, selecting the right seedbed. Tomato seedlings should be grown in a well-drained, deep, fertile soil with high organic matter, and not previously used for eggplant crops. The seedbed should be prepared early and limed to adjust pH. Standard dimensions are usually 10 meters long by 1.5 meters wide.
Second, preparing the growing medium. A mix of garden soil, compost, carbonized husk, and ash is commonly used. Garden soil should make up 30% to 50%, while compost accounts for 20% to 30%. The soil must be sterilized using formalin (40%) to prevent disease. After disinfection, the soil should be left for 7 days before use.
Third, seed treatment and sowing. Sowing dates depend on variety and local climate, typically between September and November. Seeds are soaked in warm water and treated with pesticides to prevent diseases. Germination occurs best at 22°C–25°C, and seeds should be turned every 6 hours to maintain moisture.
Fourth, seedbed management. During the emergence phase, high humidity and temperature are maintained. Once the first true leaves appear, temperature is reduced to prevent legginess. Watering is controlled, and thinning may be necessary if seedlings are too dense. During the vigorous growth phase, ventilation is increased, and nutrient solutions are applied if needed.
Eggplant Seedling Cultivation
Eggplant seedlings require a sunny, well-drained area, preferably from fields not previously used for eggplants. The seedbed should be 10 meters long by 1.2 meters wide. Soil preparation involves mixing garden soil, compost, and carbonized husk, with added chemical fertilizers for nutrients. Disinfection methods include formalin, daisen ammonium, or pentachloronitrobenzene to prevent diseases.
Seed treatment includes breaking dormancy with gibberellin, sun-drying, soaking in warm water, and using chemical treatments. Germination takes place in warm, moist conditions, and seeds are sown evenly in the seedbed, covered with soil and protected with plastic or shade nets.
Seedling management involves careful temperature control, watering only when necessary, and avoiding overwatering. Hardening off begins 4 days before transplanting to acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions.
By following these practices, farmers can successfully raise strong, healthy tomato and eggplant seedlings, leading to better yields and higher profits.